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Quesillo: The Ultimate Guide to Venezuela’s Caramel Custard

Plated quesillo with caramel sauce on a rustic wooden table.

Quesillo, a traditional Venezuelan dessert, offers a luxurious caramel glaze over a smooth and rich custard. The golden caramel drips beautifully over the delicate custard, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

This dessert is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting treat after a meal. Whether served at a special celebration or simply as a family dessert, Quesillo brings warmth and nostalgia, making it a memorable end to any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sugar melting into golden caramel in a saucepan for quesillo.
    Achieving the perfect caramel is the first step to making quesillo.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • To make the caramel, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Allow it to cook until the caramel becomes golden brown, swirling the pan occasionally. Once golden, carefully pour the caramel into a round baking dish, swirling it to coat the bottom evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  • Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the baking dish.
  • Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish (creating a water bath).
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let the quesillo cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
  • To serve, run a knife around the edge of the quesillo to loosen it, then invert onto a serving plate. The caramel will flow over the custard, creating a beautiful glaze.

Keywords: Quesillo